Neymar Vows to Score If Brazil Reaches 2026 World Cup Final, Urges Fans to Hold Him Accountable

Brazilian football superstar Neymar Jr. has issued a bold promise ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, declaring that if the Seleção reaches the final, he will score a goal. The 33-year-old Santos forward made the vow during an appearance at singer Thiaguinho's "Tardezinha" event on December 20, 2025.

“We’re going to do the possible and also the impossible to bring the World Cup back to Brazil. In July you can hold me accountable. Hey Ancelotti, help us!” Neymar stated, directly addressing national team coach Carlo Ancelotti. He added emphatically: “If we get to the final… I promise I’ll score a goal.”

Despite not featuring for Brazil since October 2023 due to persistent injuries—including an ACL tear and recent meniscus issues—Neymar expressed strong confidence in returning to the squad and contributing to a sixth World Cup title. His last international appearance came in a qualifier against Uruguay, and he has yet to play under Ancelotti, who has emphasized the need for full fitness in selections.

The statement has ignited excitement among fans, with Neymar's commitment underscoring his determination to overcome fitness challenges and lead Brazil in the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Brazil is drawn in Group C alongside Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland.

Neymar, Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 goals, is reportedly close to extending his contract with Santos until mid-2026 to maintain form ahead of the World Cup.

AFCON 2025: Super Eagles Confirm Squad Numbers Ahead of Tanzania Opener

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially unveiled the squad numbers for Nigeria's Super Eagles ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, as the three-time champions finalize preparations for their Group C opener against Tanzania's Taifa Stars on December 23, 2025, at the Complexe Sportif de Fès.

Key highlights include talismanic striker Victor Osimhen retaining the iconic No. 9 shirt, new captain Wilfred Ndidi holding onto No. 4, and Lazio's Fisayo Dele-Bashiru inheriting the prestigious No. 10 jersey. Ademola Lookman keeps No. 7, Samuel Chukwueze No. 11, and Frank Onyeka No. 8.

Goalkeeper Francis Uzoho maintains the No. 1 jersey despite expectations that Stanley Nwabali will start between the posts. Defender Igoh Ogbu takes the No. 5 shirt, previously worn by retired captain William Troost-Ekong, while midfielder Usman Mohammed inherits the historic No. 14, once donned by legends Daniel Amokachi and Kelechi Iheanacho.

Tournament debutants Salim Fago Lawal, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Ryan Alebiosu, and Tochukwu Nnadi have been assigned Nos. 25, 26, 27, and 28 respectively, adding youthful energy to coach Eric Chelle's 28-man squad.

Under Chelle's leadership, Nigeria aims for a fourth AFCON title, with subsequent group matches against Tunisia on December 27 and Uganda on December 30.

The Super Eagles arrived in Fès last week and have been intensifying training, buoyed by the blend of experience and emerging talent.

AFCON 2025: Super Eagles Opponents Uganda Boycott Training Over Unpaid Allowances

Uganda's national team, the Cranes, boycotted a scheduled training session on Saturday, December 20, 2025, in protest over unpaid bonuses and allowances from their successful AFCON 2025 qualification campaign. The disruption comes just days before their Group C opener against Tunisia on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, in Fès.

Players are also seeking clarity on their financial entitlements for the tournament proper. The standoff has prompted intervention from Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) president David Magogo, who is working to resolve the issue and restore preparations.

Uganda, returning to the AFCON finals for the first time since 2019, face a challenging Group C alongside three-time champions Nigeria (Super Eagles), Tunisia, and Tanzania. Any prolonged dispute could impact the Cranes' focus and performance, potentially benefiting their group rivals.

The incident echoes a similar bonus dispute during Uganda's 2019 AFCON campaign in Egypt, where players boycotted sessions ahead of their Round of 16 match.

As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on whether the matter is swiftly resolved to allow Uganda to compete at full strength.

Chelsea Women Demolish Dismal Liverpool 9-1 to Storm into Conti Cup Semi-Finals

Defending champions Chelsea Women delivered a ruthless performance, hammering Liverpool Women 9-1 in the Women's League Cup quarter-final at the BrewDog Stadium on December 21, 2025, to advance to the last four with a commanding display.

Johanna Rytting Kaneryd starred with a second-half hat-trick (53', 73', 80'), while Sam Kerr opened the scoring with a quickfire brace (13', 17'). Wieke Kaptein also netted twice, with further goals from Aggie Beever-Jones (32'), Sjoeke Nüsken (76'), and captain Millie Bright (86'). Liverpool's sole response came via a Jenna Clark header (72'), but it proved mere consolation in a one-sided affair.

The Blues, managed by Sonia Bompastor, raced to a 4-0 lead by halftime, exploiting Liverpool's injury-hit squad and defensive errors. Despite the Reds earning a 1-1 draw against Chelsea in the WSL just last month, they were overwhelmed this time, managing only limited substitutes amid their ongoing struggles at the bottom of the Women's Super League.

"This was a statement performance as we end 2025 strongly," said Bompastor. Liverpool manager Gareth Taylor admitted his side was "punished for errors" and highlighted the need for January reinforcements.

Chelsea will now face Manchester City away in the semi-finals, scheduled for January 2026, as they continue their defense of the trophy.

Yamal Strikes as Barcelona Tighten Grip on La Liga Summit with 2-0 Win Over 10-Man Villarreal

Lamine Yamal scored the decisive second goal as Barcelona secured a hard-fought 2-0 victory over 10-man Villarreal at Estadio de la Cerámica on December 21, 2025, restoring their four-point lead at the top of La Liga ahead of rivals Real Madrid.

Raphinha opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a confidently converted penalty after being fouled in the box. The match swung further in Barcelona's favor when Villarreal's Renato Veiga received a straight red card in the 39th minute for a reckless challenge on Yamal, who required brief treatment but continued to influence the game.

Yamal sealed the win in the 63rd minute, calmly finishing from close range after a goalmouth scramble, assisted by Frenkie de Jong. The 18-year-old's strike marked his seventh La Liga goal of the season and ninth in all competitions, underscoring his growing importance to Hansi Flick's side.

Despite Villarreal's resilient performance and several threatening moments, Barcelona goalkeeper Joan García produced outstanding saves to preserve a clean sheet. The result extends Barcelona's La Liga winning streak to eight matches and marks a strong end to their 2025 campaign.

"This was a tough away game, but the team showed character," said coach Hansi Flick. Villarreal remain in contention in the upper half of the table despite the setback.

Barcelona now head into the new year firmly in control of the title race.